Keralam’s Waqf board chairperson terms Centre’s mandate on non-Muslim members ‘anti-Muslim’

M.C. Mayin Haji, the newly appointed chairperson of the Kerala State Waqf Board, has termed the Centre’s insistence on including two non-Muslim members on State Waqf Boards “anti-Muslim” move.

“There is no need for non-Muslim members on a board that deals with Waqf matters,” he told The Hindu. Waqf is an Islamic concept involving the permanent dedication of property for religious, charitable and other purposes recognised under Islamic law, he said.

Mr. Haji said the State government had expressed its readiness before the Kerala High Court to appoint two non-Muslim members because it was bound to comply with the Central law. Other States too have not made such appointments yet, he said, citing Tamil Nadu.

HC curbs functioning

The composition of the previous board, constituted by the former Left Democratic Front government, had come under legal scrutiny after petitions challenged its failure to meet the statutory requirement for non-Muslim representation. The High Court subsequently restricted the board’s functioning.